Police Officer Involved Domestic Violence.
Lighting a candle of remembrance for those who've lost their lives to domestic violence behind the blue wall, for strength and wisdom to those still there, and a non-ending prayer for those who thought they had escaped but can't stop being afraid.

Des Moines Police Officer Arrested on Domestic Assault ChargesWHOTV.COMJuly 1, 2008Des Moines Police say one of their senior police officers has been arrested. Senior police officer Clay Blanchard was arrested at his Des Moines home Monday afternoon. The 56-year old Blanchard is charged with domestic assault causing injury, harassment, and obstructing an emergency phone call. Authorities say Blanchard, who's been with the department for more than 20-years, assaulted his wife Sunday night.

Des Moines police officer charged in domestic fightDesMoinesRegister.com, IAJune 30, 2008A Des Moines senior police officer has been arrested after he allegedly assaulted his wife Friday evening. Clay Blanchard, 56, of Des Moines, was arrested this morning, according to police. He was charged with domestic assault causing injury, second-degree harassment and obstructing an emergency phone call and taken to the Polk County Jail. Blanchard's wife, Angela, 40, was not seriously injured, police said. Angela Blanchard came back to the couple's residence Friday evening after having dinner with a man, and her husband reportedly began yelling at her and demanded her cell phone, a police report said. When Angela refused, the two wrestled for the phone and she threatened to call police. Blanchard then took her cell phone and his wife called police from their home phone. Angela Blanchard told officers she didn't want to make a report about the incident, but one was made for documentation, police said. Angela said the couple has an open marriage, the police report said. The man she had seen earlier the night of the assault was a relationship her husband knew about, she told police. "We investigated this like we would with any other criminal case," said Sgt. Vince Valdez. "As far as his employment, that is yet to be determined."